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Acceptable Synthetic ATF

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Old May 17, 2002 | 08:57 PM
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Acceptable Synthetic ATF

I did a search but couldn't find the answers I was looking for. What synthetic ATF's meet the Nissan D Matic specifications. Mobil 1 says it is safe in Nissans requiring the Dextron requirement, but no metion of the D Matic spec. I did a lot of looking on the internet and came up empty. I don't want to convert to synthetic if it isn't the proper type of fluid for my 98 Nissan Max. Holler back at me if you've done the switch. L:et me know what you used, how you did it and your results. I would really appreciate it. My Trannyis about 6,000 overdue for a changeover. I haven't had the time or money to do it. Now that school just ended it priority one on my list. Thanks everyone.
Old May 17, 2002 | 09:11 PM
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Re: Acceptable Synthetic ATF

I used Redline D4 ATF because I got a good deal from a member.

I believe a memeber said he doesn't feel the difference between Redline and Mobil 1.

You can also try Amsoil since couple members on the forum offer them at cost, I think. That's what I am going to try next after I used all my Redline.


Originally posted by TheNip73
I did a search but couldn't find the answers I was looking for. What synthetic ATF's meet the Nissan D Matic specifications. Mobil 1 says it is safe in Nissans requiring the Dextron requirement, but no metion of the D Matic spec. I did a lot of looking on the internet and came up empty. I don't want to convert to synthetic if it isn't the proper type of fluid for my 98 Nissan Max. Holler back at me if you've done the switch. L:et me know what you used, how you did it and your results. I would really appreciate it. My Trannyis about 6,000 overdue for a changeover. I haven't had the time or money to do it. Now that school just ended it priority one on my list. Thanks everyone.
Old May 17, 2002 | 09:13 PM
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Re: Re: Acceptable Synthetic ATF

Originally posted by SunMax
I used Redline D4 ATF because I got a good deal from a member.

I believe a memeber said he doesn't feel the difference between Redline and Mobil 1.

You can also try Amsoil since couple members on the forum offer them at cost, I think. That's what I am going to try next after I used all my Redline.


Yeah... but does redline meet the Nissan Specs? I know Mobil 1 and Amsoil both don't...
Old May 17, 2002 | 10:28 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Acceptable Synthetic ATF

Originally posted by TheNip73


Yeah... but does redline meet the Nissan Specs? I know Mobil 1 and Amsoil both don't...
If I were you I would call AMSOIL Technical Support at 715 392-7101 to confirm whether AMSOIL ATF meets the Nissan D specification. I have found them to be quite competent and helpful. I am planning on flushing my transmission and using AMSOIL ATF in my 97 Maxima.
Old May 17, 2002 | 10:30 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Acceptable Synthetic ATF

Originally posted by karguy


If I were you I would call AMSOIL Technical Support at 715 392-7101 to confirm whether AMSOIL ATF meets the Nissan D specification. I have found them to be quite competent and helpful. I am planning on flushing my transmission and using AMSOIL ATF in my 97 Maxima.
I was at the website... It very clearly states it is good in Nissan cars for the 1995 and older model years.
Old May 17, 2002 | 11:02 PM
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Re: Re: Re: Acceptable Synthetic ATF

I had an email from a Redline guy who recomend D4ATF for my '97 Max.

I guess I just have to trust him.


Originally posted by TheNip73


Yeah... but does redline meet the Nissan Specs? I know Mobil 1 and Amsoil both don't...
Old May 18, 2002 | 04:42 AM
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A lot of people are using synthetic ATF fluids without any problem.

Synthetic ATF is more heat resistant which is why I use it.

I've tried both Mobil1 and Redline D4, with Redline you will get slightly faster shifts.
Old May 18, 2002 | 05:14 AM
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Where did you find that Amsoil does meet the standard??
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Q. How can AMSOIL's Universal ATF meet all the different frictional characteristics of the transmissions that it does?

A. AMSOIL Universal ATF chemistry has been separately tested against each auto manufacturer's specifications and meets all of the requirements for each. It can, therefore, be used in all applications specifying those requirements. The unique, and more advanced, chemistry of this lubricant allows it to meet the proper frictional characteristics for Ford MERCON, MERCON V, DEXRON III, Chrysler ATF+ through ATF+4, Allison C-3, C-4, and Caterpillar TO-2 and TO-3 specifications.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.amsoil.com/products/atf.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Like someone else mentioned, a 30 second phone call to tech services will also resolve this.
Old May 18, 2002 | 08:02 AM
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Originally posted by iwannabmw
Where did you find that Amsoil does meet the standard??
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Q. How can AMSOIL's Universal ATF meet all the different frictional characteristics of the transmissions that it does?

A. AMSOIL Universal ATF chemistry has been separately tested against each auto manufacturer's specifications and meets all of the requirements for each. It can, therefore, be used in all applications specifying those requirements. The unique, and more advanced, chemistry of this lubricant allows it to meet the proper frictional characteristics for Ford MERCON, MERCON V, DEXRON III, Chrysler ATF+ through ATF+4, Allison C-3, C-4, and Caterpillar TO-2 and TO-3 specifications.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.amsoil.com/products/atf.html

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Like someone else mentioned, a 30 second phone call to tech services will also resolve this.
I see the list. Where is Nissan Matic D listed. I surely don't see it...
Old May 18, 2002 | 08:06 AM
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syn

www.redlineoil.com there is info here about the atf.
Old May 18, 2002 | 08:21 AM
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I use Pensoil Synthetic Blend ATF. My trans shifts great, I believe it meets Nissans spec. It's not a full synthetic, but it's more stable in different temps then conventional ATF. The morning shift when the car is cold stayed the same, but when the car is really hot, I don't get the really slushey shifts anymore. I used it in my buddies I30 and he noticed the difference too.
Old May 18, 2002 | 09:07 AM
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Originally posted by TheNip73


I see the list. Where is Nissan Matic D listed. I surely don't see it...
I believe that Nissan's spec is the same as Dexron. Nissan just doesn't list it as Dexron specifically because they want to encourage people to buy the fluid through their dealers.

With so many different automakers having "different" specs, you are never going to see all the ones a product meets listed. I believe the statement "AMSOIL Universal ATF chemistry has been separately tested against each auto manufacturer's specifications and meets all of the requirements for each. It can, therefore, be used in all applications specifying those requirements", pretty much covers you. However, if you need to hear that it has been specifcally tested and meets Nissan's specs, a simple phone call to tech services can verify this for you.
Old May 18, 2002 | 09:23 AM
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Originally posted by iwannabmw


I believe that Nissan's spec is the same as Dexron. Nissan just doesn't list it as Dexron specifically because they want to encourage people to buy the fluid through their dealers.

With so many different automakers having "different" specs, you are never going to see all the ones a product meets listed. I believe the statement "AMSOIL Universal ATF chemistry has been separately tested against each auto manufacturer's specifications and meets all of the requirements for each. It can, therefore, be used in all applications specifying those requirements", pretty much covers you. However, if you need to hear that it has been specifcally tested and meets Nissan's specs, a simple phone call to tech services can verify this for you.
Thanks bmw and njmax.
Old May 18, 2002 | 10:56 AM
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Since you brought up Pennzoil Synthetic blend ATF, I remember when I first did the tranny flush, I couldn't a shop to use my Redline (on their machine). Finally I found one store who has their own, but it is the Pennzoil syn-blend ATF. After they did the flush, and when I left the shop, I immediately feel the car was quieter and smoother.

Now, I am just doing drain and refill with the Redline D4ATF to slowly change it all.


Originally posted by njmaxseltd
I use Pensoil Synthetic Blend ATF. My trans shifts great, I believe it meets Nissans spec. It's not a full synthetic, but it's more stable in different temps then conventional ATF. The morning shift when the car is cold stayed the same, but when the car is really hot, I don't get the really slushey shifts anymore. I used it in my buddies I30 and he noticed the difference too.
Old May 18, 2002 | 01:17 PM
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After oing additional looking in my owner manual, as opposed to the Haynes manual I was using before it appears that D Matic is teh same as Dextron III I believe. There is a box thing that says Dextron III or equivalent can be used. Maybe I should use my Haynes manual as a reference anymore, or even better maybe Nissan should just call theur ATF Dextron III

Excuse my poor typicng. I may have a disloacted finger. Going to the doctor soon to get it looked at. lets hope its not that.
Old May 18, 2002 | 05:46 PM
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Originally posted by TheNip73
After oing additional looking in my owner manual, as opposed to the Haynes manual I was using before it appears that D Matic is teh same as Dextron III I believe. There is a box thing that says Dextron III or equivalent can be used. Maybe I should use my Haynes manual as a reference anymore, or even better maybe Nissan should just call theur ATF Dextron III

Excuse my poor typicng. I may have a disloacted finger. Going to the doctor soon to get it looked at. lets hope its not that.
Yes, Nissan Matic D is equivalent to Dextron III. Redline D4 ATF exceeds Dextron III specs (hence the "D4", suggesting Dextron 4).
Old May 19, 2002 | 04:04 PM
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Nissanmatic D is whats know as a "friction modified" ATF.

The company below makes an additive you can add to any ATF to make it meet the Nissan Spec.

http://www.lubegard.com/automotive/trans_atf_hfm.html

But I don't know of anyone who has needed to use this stuff. I myself use Redline D4, bacause I want the faster shifts and I want the fluid that can witstand MUCH more heat than Dino ATF.

If you were to use dexron III ATF any notice any shuddering, that the symptom of incompatable ATF fluid. In that case you need the lubeguard additive
Old May 19, 2002 | 08:37 PM
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lubeguard=snake oil// i.e. Taurus Emission!!
D=Dexron! Don't argue a stupid acronym.
Any Dexron is same as Nissan-Matic D ATF.
Dexron is already friction-modified(slippery/smooth shifting). Non-friction-modified(grippy-bandaid for cheap clutches) fluid will never become frictionedmodified;But not vice versa. Ford TypeF was that last of the common nonfrictionmodified fluids. Some people added TypeF as a pseudo shift-kit for dexron/mercon spec'd transmissions--especially when selling car with junk transmission(used car salesman) or for quicker shifting when racing(not recommended).
It is great that the synthetic fluids will "withstand the heat". Too bad that the seals, gaskets, O-rings, and clutch packs won't. Save your transmission from heat by installing a transcooler. And extend the life off your ATF by using any of the popular synthetic ATFs.
I haven't seen any specs for DexronIV. But Redline D4 used to stand for Dexron + GL4. Most name brand synthetics have no problem with passing the future specs. So when D-IV is released(probably already), new labels will adorn the bottles of ATF. Some of the cheap ATF's will need additives or reformulation.
Nissan-matic is a Nissan spec.
Dexron is a registered trademark GM. (so is dexcool)
Mercon is a registered trademark of Ford.
Yet, the spec's are ALMOST the same for all three. This is the reason why most quality fluids will pass all the specs by most automakers.
Nissan(as well as all the other automakers) doesn't want to advertise for the competition.
This link shows that Amsoil meets Nissan spec:
http://www.syntheticlubes.com/amsoil_synthetic_atf.html
And Mobil1ATF is Dexron certified meaning that it is D-spec and OK for Nissan transmissions without paying a kickback to Nissan/Renault.
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